Turtle Farm & Aquarium

Isla Mujeres is the ancestral hatching ground for the giant sea turtles that lay their eggs in the soft sand from May through September. The eggs are gathered and placed in pens at the Turtle Farm to keep them safe from predators. Depending on the time of year, you can see hundreds of baby turtles in the outdoor holding tanks. From August to October they are released into the by the children of the island (as well as many tourists). After the last release there are only a few turtles housed within the main building. The ones that are living their life at the Tortuga Granja have a rare disease that makes them albino and unable to withstand any time in the sun. Even the sun’s reflection on the water can kill them. Others have been injured and are receiving care until they can go back to the sea. Please remember not to touch the turtles, even though they will swim up to you and flap their fins and seem to say “pet me!”

The small aquarium houses a variety of sea life. Tropical fish, sea horses, crabs, lobsters, and even a few baby manta rays. A family of iguanas hang out on a pile of rocks at the entrance, and around the corner on the right side of the building there is a pen for land turtles. There is also a small shop that sells t-shirts, souvenirs, and snacks.